Ahlstrom stated during the hearing that the school’s present location is too small to accommodate the growing student body. In a letter to parents, the Headmaster also argued that moving the school closer to Metro lines (the school is currently accessible only by bus) would help maintain and recruit a more diverse student body. Yet, the Board and several parents argued against the move citing financial concerns as the primary reason for the disapproval.

The proposed lease at the 8th Street location would have been $90,000 which is three times what the school pays now. For many school supporters, the increased cost was just too much. The school has received approval to increase from 179 students to 320 students.

We called the school to find out where on 8th Street they had in mind for their move but no one would divulge the location. The full WaPo story can be found here.